Does cataract surgery require an incision?

Nov 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

Cataract surgery requires an incision but is considered a minimally invasive procedure, characterized by a small surgical wound, minimal trauma, and rapid recovery. It involves precisely removing the cloudy lens through a controlled incision and implanting an artificial intraocular lens. This is the mainstream and effective treatment for cataracts. If symptoms such as decreased vision or blurred vision occur, timely medical evaluation is recommended. Modern cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery requires an incision, but it is a minimally invasive procedure characterized by a small surgical wound, minimal trauma, and rapid recovery. By making a precise incision to remove the cloudy lens and implant an artificial intraocular lens, this method is the mainstream and effective treatment for cataracts. If symptoms such as decreased vision or blurred vision occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation.

Modern cataract surgery primarily involves phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation. The surgical incision is typically only 2–3 millimeters in size, does not require sutures, and allows specialized precision instruments to enter the eye. Ultrasound energy is used to break up the cloudy lens, which is then aspirated, followed by implantation of an artificial lens to restore vision.

The incision serves to create a surgical pathway, ensuring smooth removal of the natural lens and accurate placement of the artificial lens. Compared to traditional surgery, the minimally invasive approach reduces damage to ocular tissues and lowers the risk of complications such as infection and bleeding. Patients can usually be discharged within 1–2 days after surgery, with vision gradually improving during recovery.

After surgery, maintain eye cleanliness and avoid exposing the eye to contaminated water. Do not rub the eye forcefully. Use prescribed anti-inflammatory eye drops as directed. Avoid prolonged eye use and exposure to bright light. Maintain a light diet rich in vitamin-containing foods to promote wound healing and visual recovery.

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What eye drops are commonly used after cataract surgery?

In general, eye drops are required after cataract surgery to prevent infection, control inflammation, and promote recovery. Common needs include antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatments. Patients may use medications such as levofloxacin ophthalmic solution, tobramycin-dexamethasone ophthalmic solution, pranoprofen ophthalmic solution, sodium hyaluronate ophthalmic solution, and cyclosporine ophthalmic solution, as prescribed by their doctor. A detailed analysis is as follows:

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What are the nursing diagnoses for cataracts?

Nursing diagnoses for cataracts generally include altered sensory perception (decreased vision), risk for injury, anxiety, knowledge deficit, and potential complications (postoperative infection). Altered sensory perception (decreased vision): due to lens opacity causing abnormal light refraction, patients experience progressive vision loss, manifesting as blurred vision and double vision, which affects daily activities such as reading and walking.

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What is the name of cataract in traditional Chinese medicine?

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), cataracts are known as "yuanyi neizhang," an eye disorder characterized primarily by lens opacity and progressive vision loss. TCM attributes the condition to aging, physical weakness, and disharmony of internal organs. If symptoms such as sudden vision decline, eye pain, or visual distortion occur, prompt medical evaluation is recommended. The underlying pathological mechanism in TCM is deficiency of the liver and kidneys, accompanied by insufficient qi and blood.